The four-time world champion Max Verstappen continues to shine as one of Formula 1's brightest stars, dominating the drivers' championship for the past four seasons. With the 2024 campaign drawing to a close, Verstappen spoke of his admiration for another legendary F1 driver: Sebastian Vettel.
Verstappen and Vettel: A bond beyond racing
Although Vettel retired at the end of the 2022 season, his legacy as a four-time champion with Red Bull Racing (2010–2013) remains engraved in the history of sport. Verstappen, who followed in Vettel's footsteps as a Red Bull mainstay, shared how their relationship has grown over time.
“We write to each other after almost every race,” Verstappen said. “Sebastian is very kind; I really like.”
Both drivers are celebrated for their tenures at Red Bull, each of which redefined the team's success during their respective eras. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner he frequently lauded their contributions, calling them cornerstones of the team's legacy.
Red Bull's challenges in 2024
While Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship in 2024, Red Bull faced stiff competition in the Constructors' championship, ultimately losing to McLaren. The Woking team claimed their first Constructors' Championship since 1998 with a dominant performance, accumulating 666 points against i 589 of Red Bull.
Verstappen acknowledged the difficulties Red Bull faced in the second half of the season, with the RB20 struggling to keep up with the MCL38 of McLaren and the SF-24 than Ferrari in terms of pure speed. Frustration often surfaced for Verstappen, who saw Red Bull's dominance diminish after the mid-season break.
“We won't be the favorites next year, but that's okay,” Verstappen said. “We've had problems, and now we have to roll up our sleeves and change things. In the last 12 or 13 grands prix, we haven't been the fastest. We have to change a lot to be first, but maybe it's also nice not to be the favorite for once.”
The Fight for 2025: A Preview
With McLaren flying high and Ferrari making progress, the battle for supremacy in 2025 promises to be intense. Verstappen has no illusions about the challenges ahead, especially as teams prepare for the final year of ground effect regulations ahead of the seismic changes of 2026.
For Red Bull, regaining its position at the top will require addressing the RB20's performance inconsistencies and ensuring that the new car, the RB21can provide results on a wide range of circuits. Verstappen's focus and leadership will be key as the team navigates this transition.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be a very close competition, with Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari all battling for supremacy. For Verstappen, the year represents an opportunity to add to his championship tally and further cement his legacy. However, it will also test the resilience of a team that has thrived under pressure but now faces its fiercest competition in years.
As the Dutchman continues his reign, his friendship with Vettel and the lessons learned from a difficult 2024 could provide the perspective needed to tackle what lies ahead.
